Thomas Holloway

ThomasHolloway1883

Thomas Holloway (22 September 1800 – 26 December 1883) was an English patent medicine vendor and philanthropist. He is best known for founding Royal Holloway, University of London and the Holloway Sanatorium.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Thomas Holloway was born in Devonport, Devon, England. He was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Holloway. His father was a baker, and the family moved to Penzance in 1807. Holloway initially worked in his father's bakery before moving to London in 1828.

Career[edit | edit source]

Holloway began his career as a chemist and started selling patent medicines in the 1830s. He created and marketed two main products: "Holloway's Pills" and "Holloway's Ointment." These products were advertised as cures for a wide range of ailments, from indigestion to rheumatism. Holloway's aggressive marketing strategies, including extensive advertising in newspapers and on billboards, made his products widely known and successful.

Philanthropy[edit | edit source]

Holloway used his wealth to fund several philanthropic projects. In 1872, he founded the Holloway Sanatorium in Virginia Water, Surrey, which was designed to provide care for the mentally ill. The sanatorium was notable for its advanced treatment methods and humane conditions.

In 1886, Holloway founded Royal Holloway, University of London, originally established as a college for women. The college was inspired by the Vassar College in the United States and aimed to provide higher education opportunities for women. The institution is now part of the University of London and continues to be a leading educational establishment.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Holloway married Jane Driver in 1839. The couple had no children. Jane Holloway was actively involved in her husband's philanthropic endeavors until her death in 1875.

Death and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Thomas Holloway died on 26 December 1883 in Sunninghill, Berkshire. He was buried in St Michael and All Angels Church, Sunninghill. His legacy lives on through the institutions he founded, which continue to serve educational and medical purposes.